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MNO and Northern College sign Memorandum of Understanding

MNO Chair France Picotte and Northern College President Fredd Gibbons after signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

On December 6, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Northern College signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU is intended to strengthen and formalize the long-standing positive working relationship between the MNO and Northern College. This document establishes several key areas for collaboration and partnership including: increasing Métis participation in, and access to, Northern College programs and services, engaging in joint Métis research initiatives and promoting Métis content across the curriculum. “Northern College is the eleventh post-secondary institution in the province to recognize and address the unique needs of Métis and to agree to work in partnership to ensure that programming offered at the College addresses those needs,” said MNO President Gary Lipinski.

The MOU with Northern College is part of a larger relationship building process of bilateral partnerships with post-secondary institutions that includes an MOU signed between the MNO and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. According to MNO Chair France Picotte, who signed the MOU on behalf of the MNO, this is a significant achievement for the Métis people in Ontario because it demonstrates a commitment to forge a lasting relationship between post-secondary institutions and the MNO. The agreement with Northern College builds on the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement, which the province signed with the MNO five years ago and recently extended.

Northern College has a rich history of collaboration with Aboriginal peoples. The college is guided by its Aboriginal Council on Education, which ensures that college programs, services and activities incorporate Aboriginal perspectives, and are connected to Aboriginal culture and traditions. Northern also offers a suite of services which are designed to help Aboriginal students reach their educational goals.

“This Memorandum of Understanding between Northern College and the Métis Nation of Ontario is reflective of our commitment to responding to the needs and directions of Ontario’s Aboriginal communities,” said Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “We look forward to working with the MNO to improve educational access, support and success for Métis students.”